In the spirit of National Aviation Day, we salute American aircraft manufacturers of yesteryear with this 1954 ad for Convair. Interestingly, Convair was also paying tribute to the U.S. manufacturing movement, even highlighting its direct competitors “in the interest of America’s aircraft industry.” A classy example of branded content, this piece of creative airline advertising still pays off for the brand behind the ad. Take a look and see if you can spot the three subtle nods to Convair. All three details serve to guide the viewer’s eye to the focal point of the ad: the Convair plane. First, the angle of the other planes directs the eye towards the body copy and Convair’s brand name, which overlaps the aircraft. Second, the white background behind the body copy breaks the line of planes so the Convair stands alone. And finally, the woman waving through the window drives the viewer to search for the gesture’s recipient, landing the eye on the silhouetted figure outside the Convair aircraft. Did you catch all three? Are we missing any? Post your thoughts in the Comments!

FUN FACT: Airbus and Boeing have long since held a duopoly in the aircraft manufacturing industry, with Boeing consistently in front for many years. In 2013, Airbus was able to edge out Boeing for the first time, attributed to the success of the A330, its medium-sized, long-haul jet. (Source: The Economist)